It's a quick, feel-good book. It's basically about being positive, not judging yourself or others, trying your best, and being your true self. It's stIt's a quick, feel-good book. It's basically about being positive, not judging yourself or others, trying your best, and being your true self. It's stuff most of us work on in our 20's when we grow strong enough to live our lives for ourselves and not to the standards our parents drilled in us. It's all easier said than done and people who think they are doing it are probably in denial (that's in the book, too). I read this for book club and wonder if it was selected to hinder gossip in the group, lol....more

This book is good for people who need a starting place from which to begin a journey of change. I've already learned these basics, but it was still aThis book is good for people who need a starting place from which to begin a journey of change. I've already learned these basics, but it was still a worthy, quick, and more entertaining than most self-help times. I know exactly to whom I will pass it on!...more

While I agree w other reviewers that some of the notions (especially toward the beginning) are outdated, the author recognizes that, and it's part ofWhile I agree w other reviewers that some of the notions (especially toward the beginning) are outdated, the author recognizes that, and it's part of her story- to explain thinking from her generation (while acknowledging how times have changed). However, as a divorcee and someone who has subsequently been married over 40 years, as well as having had a couple sets of in-laws and being a mother-in-law and grandparent, she has the experience to give thoughtful advice and perspective from many angles. The author of famous children's books, she makes the book accessible and relatable. She is not pigeon-holing her audience to married couples, but anyone who is in a relationship. She owns up to mistakes she has made and continues to make- from all of her roles, past and present, and from opposite ends of the same stick. Instead of platitudes, she offers multiple examples from real people and patients of marriage therapists. Instead of a couple reasons for pitfalls, she offers many well thought through causes. Some "rules" or tips seem like they do not apply to you, until she spells out exactly how common dialogues or actions we're all familiar with actually do precipitate or exemplify problems. It elevates you out of denial. You recognize yourself and couples you know in her vignettes, learning how inappropriate you are, while also how normal you are.I agree with other reviewers that the most profound chapters are: 6. Marital Sibling Rivalry, 7. Married sex, 8. Making war, Making Do, 9. The Divorce Option, and 10. Marrying again. It was extremely validating for me about why my own marriage ended, and helped me further understand, process, and articulate that stuff. And it made me feel more secure in my decision to most likely not marry again. I've been in a relationship for four years now and serendipity allowed this book to find me at a used book sale at a fall festival and now my partner has agreed to read it as well. Yay! I feel more 'grown-up' already!...more

This book helped me so much! It made me realize that I'm not so much bossy, as my love language is "acts of service"...which I always called "show me,This book helped me so much! It made me realize that I'm not so much bossy, as my love language is "acts of service"...which I always called "show me, don't tell me you love me". So instead of feeling like an indentured servant, he can realize that he's showing love to me. It elaborated on this and helped my partner realize it's different from how he is, but still acceptable and not wrong!! Plus, don't waste time telling me a bunch of mushy stuff and then wonder why I'm laughing at you. : )

It helped me understand why gifts are so important to my mom, and it's not about being materialistic, like one might assume. Gifts are a whole ritual.

Words of Affirmation seem juvenile, but they really matter to some people.

Quality time was second for me and my partner, which was a no-brainer.

The quizzes are helpful and the book is easy to understand and fosters acceptance, validation, appreciation of individual differences, open communication, and optimization of your efforts to maximize fulfillment of your partner's love tank, rather than doing typical things that may not be up their alley and are lost on them.

It made me realize that gifts don't mean anything to my honey (he buys what he likes for himself), so spend time with him and hold his hand or rub his shoulders and that is what he really loves....more

Longitudinal study shows patterns of behavior in children of divorce and it is so true. I saw myself in here, parenting the weaker parent and dumpingLongitudinal study shows patterns of behavior in children of divorce and it is so true. I saw myself in here, parenting the weaker parent and dumping relationships before they got too close out of a fear of abandonment. It was very helpful. I had it on my Amazon wish list and months later surprisingly received it as a gift from a friend, without knowing that she knew about my list....more

I think this is the book my friend loaned me and I read it from cover to cover. I had already learned from her appearance on Oprah about the more youI think this is the book my friend loaned me and I read it from cover to cover. I had already learned from her appearance on Oprah about the more you cling to every penny, the less you will have. This helped expand my mind to the emotional baggage we attach to money and how we learned to treat it and what our fears are about it. It helped me learn to never lease a car, never buy a new car, "try on" payments before you buy, how to pay off my debt early (I surpassed my goal to be debt-free by 30), how to live beneath my means, how to set boundaries between money and people, to talk openly with your partner about money, and to keep your own bank account, retirement, and money plans. Reading this in the year 2000 helped me make a killing on my first house I bought at age 24, come out of my divorce with a credit score of 806, avoid the predatory lending and housing crash, and live without worrying about money as much as most people do....more

If you like her on TV, then you'll like the book. She's a straight-shooter who is scathingly humorous and grounded, but doesn't apologize for her succIf you like her on TV, then you'll like the book. She's a straight-shooter who is scathingly humorous and grounded, but doesn't apologize for her success. She talks frankly about her own mistakes and how she learned from them. She is open about her past and isn't ashamed of an atypical and neglectful but affluent upbringing. She is a newlywed and new mom at the time she's writing it, so it's a little heavy on the lovey dovey my husband/daughter is perfect stuff. (Obviously reality hasn't set in yet. We'll have to check back in five years.)...more